Astellas Ireland Co held a ceremony recently to mark the breaking of the ground and start of construction for its new €330m, facility at Kerry Technology Park, Tralee, Co Kerry.

The ceremony, held at the site and Munster Technological University, was attended by enterprise minister Simon Coveney, education minister Norma Foley TD, IDA CEO Michael Lohan, representatives of Kerry County Council, project partners and senior Astellas executives.

Stable supply of high-quality medicines

The new facility, which has been designed with sustainability at its core, will accelerate the expansion of Astellas’ in-house production capabilities and ensure a stable supply of high-quality medicines to patients around the world.

The project is set to create significant employment opportunities in the area, including 600 construction jobs and 100 highly specialised roles in engineering, science, and technology. The facility is planned to be operational by 2028.

Simon Coveney said: “As our Enterprise Policy has a key regional dimension, once again, I wish to celebrate the company’s decision to build its new cutting-edge facility in Tralee which represents a major note of confidence in the southwest region.

"Astellas’ commitment to a facility that will incorporate the highest national and international best practice in energy and environmental design is also aligned with the quality of development that my Department and the IDA are looking to deliver for our citizens, fully in keeping with the Government’s commitment to a decarbonised economy and society.”

Hideki Shima, chief manufacturing officer, Astellas Pharma, said: “Today marks a significant achievement for our company and reflects our continued commitment to expansion and innovation in the region.

"Not only will it further the Astellas vision to be at the forefront of healthcare change by turning innovative science into value for patients, but it will also be a growth opportunity for the many people who will bring this facility to life. Together we hope to build something best in class, producing quality products that people need, and striving to continue putting patients first.”

Louis Collins, executive director, Kerry Operations, Astellas Pharma Ireland Ltd, said: “This is an incredibly exciting day for Astellas, and all those who have helped make this vision a reality. We have been grateful for the time and professionalism of the local authorities and the engagement from the local community throughout this process.

"We also want to thank our project and design partners and the Astellas team across Ireland and globally. I have no doubt that it is this partnership and support that has been key getting us to where we are today, for which we are incredibly grateful.”

CEO of the IDA, Michael Lohan, said: “Astellas’ decision last year to expand its operations in Ireland was warmly welcomed, especially here in Kerry where the company has had an operation since 1990.

Commitment to innovation, sustainability and to the southwest

"Today’s sod-turning is symbolic as it heralds a new chapter for this global pharmaceutical leader in Ireland and is testament to the company’s leadership and commitment to innovation, sustainability and to the southwest region. I wish to congratulate Astellas on today’s ground-breaking and assure the team of IDA Ireland’s continued partnership and support.”

On an environmental level, the building will fall in line with Astellas’ ambitious sustainability values and targets, incorporating the highest national and international best practice in energy and environmental design.

As a result, this project aims to cut water use by approximately half, reduce operational energy intensity by more than one-third, and produce zero waste to landfill (compared with LEED® baseline). These measures along with onsite renewable technology including solar PV panels and biomass boiler underpin Astellas’ efforts in the mitigation of climate change.

Astellas recently announced further investment in Kerry, taking over the lease of the Advanced Technology Building, also at Kerry Technology Park.